Cheap Eats 2011: Halibut's

Even on a slow Thursday afternoon, when the lone server is busying
herself scrubbing salt shakers and kitchen chatter is getting loose and
gossipy, Halibut’s keeps its customers waiting. But we’re talking fish
and chips here, so that wait is a welcome one—it portends fries still
sizzling from their oil bath and hot strips of Alaskan halibut ($18 for a
full order, $10 for half) sporting light, crisp carapaces of flaky
batter. The adjoining bar hosts live blues Thursday through Saturday
nights, although it is difficult to imagine anything soul stirring
occurring within walls so devoted to Oregon Ducks pride. Also, getting
drunk in proximity to clam chowder ($6 for a bowl, $12 for a tureen)
just seems like an awful idea, so go on a lazy weekday, when the natural
light slanting in through the front windows and the happy banter of
people not working too hard transforms Halibut’s into a land-locked
oasis of coastal vacation vibes.